Pop-Up Block to Showcase Possibilities for Covington Neighborhoods

According to the City of Covington and the Center for Great Neighborhoods, which have worked with the residents of the neighborhoods of Helenton, Austinburg, Wallace Woods, and Levassor Park to update the zoning code in an effort to bring new energy to the 20th Street corridor, it means an up-close look at what changes on a particular block could look like.

There will be an outdoor cafe with seating, the opportunity to provide feedback on exterior sign designs, to move cardboard street benches and tree planters to show off a particular design, and to share ideas with sidewalk chalk.

The pop-up block event, which will run Sunday, July 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 20th and Greenup Streets, will also feature free popsicles and tours of the chapel at the former St. Elizabeth Hospital/ Baked goods will be provided by La Rosa de Guadalupe bakery.

The ideas shared at the event will help the city, the Center, and the four nearby neighborhoods examine a form district style of zoning along the corridor and to encourage more investment there.

In a news release from City Hall, it was stated that the City of Covington may use this program as a pilot for a city-wide zoning code update.

The Eastern 4 Neighborhoods have come together to create a vision for their neighborhoods' future. With the input of over 100 residents that were surveyed about their ideas and concerns they came up with this key statement:

"Everyone is welcome here - we are a friendly and tight-knit community. Our neighborhoods, both separately and together, have a strong sense of community. Our collaboration bolsters community pride and brings new energy to our neighborhoods."

From the surveys the E4 has identified Four Big Opportunities:

How can the old St. Elizabeth (now the pavilion at Kenton) be more of an Asset?

How can we bring more small businesses back to 20th Street and make the area more walkable?

How can we slow car traffic on Greenup and Scott?

How can we ensure that the provision of social services is a regional issue?